IPOH: Perak cannot afford to supply water outside its state, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

       The Perak Mentri Besar said based on several studies conducted by the state government and the Environment and Water Ministry (Kasa), Perak is already facing water droughts in a few areas.

       “Several days ago, during a meeting with a factory in Taiping, the management told us that they had to find 85% of the water source for their production. The Perak Water Board only supplies 15% of the water usage.

       “In Kerian, the water level at Bukit Merah dam is often at a low level, causing us to do cloud seeding to ensure that the agricultural activities are not affected,” he said after launching the back to school programme at the Perak Women Secretariat office building on Thursday (March 3).

       On March 1, Saarani had a meeting with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to discuss water transfer between the two states.

       Saarani said during the meeting, Chow and his delegation had expressed their concerns about raw water supply in Penang, which is expected to have a disruption in 2050.

       “Penang had a similar meeting with the previous Perak government, led by Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu. It was decided that research must be conducted first to see if Perak has enough water supply for its people.

       “The Penang government was aiming to get water supply from Sungai Perak. However, during the meeting, a representative from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) told us that taking water from the river will affect the productivity of four TNB hydroelectric dams that supply electricity for the country.

       “While we sympathise with the situation faced by Penang, we barely can afford to supply enough water for the people in the state,” he said.

       Separately, Saarani said he received a visit from 11 European Union (EU) ambassadors led by Mickhalis Rokas at his office on Wednesday (March 2).

       “They also visited Royal Belum and were amazed by its beauty. The delegation was also given a briefing about the tourism and investment opportunities.

       “The visit was about extending the friendship between EU countries and Perak. I was informed that all 11 ambassadors were happy with the trip and will help to bring in more investors,” he said.